Delia McLerran is the proud Head of Schools of the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) Network. As part of the Texas Education Agency’s Replicating Great Options (RGO) initiative, Delia was selected to replicate the phase-in model for an all-girls college preparatory school. As part of RGO, the Young Women’s Leadership Academy Primary, grades K and 1st grade, was started in San Antonio as part of the YWLA Network. The original school, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA), celebrated its 10th Anniversary in January, 2019.
From 2010 to 2019, she served as the principal of the YWLA, a college preparatory academy in San Antonio that ranked as #20 on America’s Most Challenging Schools (Washington Post list), while the US News and World Report recognized YWLA as a Gold Medal school based on its college readiness index since 2015. On September 20, 2015, the United States Department of Education recognized the Young Women’s Leadership Academy as a National Blue Ribbon school for consistent exemplary academic achievement.
In May, 2013, the Children-At-Risk non-profit organization, identified YWLA as the #1 middle school in Texas out of 1,840 middle schools. She coordinates efforts with community partners to create and coordinate college readiness educational opportunities for YWLA students. Since its inception in 2008, YWLA has received the highest academic rating by TEA.
In July of 2006, Mrs. McLerran was re-assigned to her alma mater, Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, to establish safety and order; enforce all federal, state, and district laws and policies; and to improve student achievement at RMHS. Miller’s scores increased double digits and the school met federal and state standards for the first time in 5 years in 2009.
In 1987, Mrs. McLerran’s passion for teaching began in New York City’s Bronx borough. She taught and served Corpus Christi as administrator for 19 years before moving to San Antonio in 2010.
Her education includes:
Bachelor of Arts degree– major in History-Sociology from Columbia University in NYC, NY.
Master’s in Education Degree — Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin (TX). Mid-management certification — TAMU at Corpus Christi, TX.
Public Education Leadership Program certification– Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Delia McLerran is happily married to Victor McLerran with whom she sponsors local children who are in need.
AWARDS AND HONORS
2016 San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce-Rising Star Award-presented for significant achievements in public education in the San Antonio community.
2016 Secondary Principal HEB Excellence in Education Recipient – This honor is designed to recognize principals based on the following criteria: Leadership and Campus Culture; Instructional Leadership and Management; and Communication and Community Relations. One secondary principal for the state of Texas is selected annually by a panel of judges.
2015 Nominee for National Terrell Bell Award—The Terrell H. Bell Award, named for the former U.S. Secretary of Education, recognizes outstanding school leaders and the vital role they play in overcoming challenging circumstances. Principals nominated for this award are school leaders committed to fostering successful teaching and learning at their schools. They are principals who do whatever it takes to help their students meet high standards and are committed to the notion that in educating America’s children, failure is no option.
2014 San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee—In recognition of outstanding contributions in the area of education and of contributions to improving the San Antonio community through educational efforts for all students at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy.
2013 Educator of the Year National Hispanic Institute at San Antonio—In appreciation for commitment to impacting the lives of youth within the Latino community. On award: “An educator is about shaping minds and guiding lives. It is about resilience, leadership and that delicate understanding and balance of all that comes with it—facilitating knowledge, thinking, developing, and preparing youth to be the Best for the Best.”
Mirabeau B. Lamar Father of Education Medal—in recognition and appreciation of leadership in quality education in San Antonio, TX 39th District Masonic Lodge. 2013.
Community Builder Award—Awarded by Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas for distinguished service and personal contributions to the community of San Antonio, TX. 2013
Hispanic Legend Award—in appreciation for making a difference in outstanding leadership, dedication, and community involvement in Corpus Christi and the South Texas area. 2011
Westside Business Association President’s Award—in recognition of outstanding contributions to our community. 2009
